Different Angles
Like Father, Like Son
His dad was a real-life superhero, just like him.
After a good long hug (and a passionate conversation about recycling underwear by wearing them front and back, then inside out, then front and back again), Fred went on to admire the newspaper cut-outs and the red, blue and yellow superhero costumes that adorned the walls in his father's secret room located behind their famous family portrait.
"So, this is why you always disappear…" Fred said in awe. The papers were articles and pictures of his father in the old days, when he was once a superhero. Stan Lee was obviously retired now, but he loved to be reminded of what he used to be capable of doing, and of the good he had done in the past, which explained why he hadn't thrown those newspapers away.
Fred read a little printed paragraph, then turned to his father in shock, "Hold on. That superhero on the news a few years back; the one who stopped the train from falling and crashing when someone blew up the tracks… That was you?"
Stan Lee nodded, "That was me."
"Dad, that's awesome!" he exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air. "All this time, I had a superhero as my father!" His eyes sparkled in amazement as he observed each picture. "I wish you'd told me sooner."
"I couldn't, son," Stan Lee replied. "I couldn't let you or your mother know about my double life. You should know exactly why. You've read my comics, haven't you?"
The famous Spiderman quote came into mind.
"With great power comes great responsibility," the two said in unison.
"And every superhero has a supervillain," Stan Lee continued. "I didn't want to put any of you in danger. Trust me; you don't know how painful it is to lose someone you really care about."
"Actually…" Fred frowned. "I do."
"You do?" Stan Lee asked, and this made him realize how much he had neglected his son in the past because of his work and superhero duties.
He nodded, "You probably remember him. Tadashi Hamada?"
"Ah, right," he answered. "I've heard. I'm very sorry, Fred."
"It wasn't your fault, and I know I didn't lose him in battle like you probably did, but I know just how much it hurts."
"Exactly. I don't want you to have to go through that pain again."
Fred placed a hand on his father's shoulder, "Come on, dad. You gotta stop doubting me! I'm a hero now, so there isn't anything to worry about. I can take care of myself. And if anything were to happen to you or mom, just count on me to save you guys."
Stan Lee laughed, "Growing up to be just like your old man, huh, son?"
"Of course! That reminds me, you gotta check out my costume!" Fred zoomed out of the room, only to return minutes later with his blue Kaiju costume. "Not only does this suit look sick, but I can also jump super high and breathe fire!" he exclaimed. "I don't temporarily turn into a lizard like I've always wanted to, but this- this is pretty close!"
Stan Lee admired the outfit, noting how much science and technology had evolved over the years. "This is spectacular!"
"I know!" Fred exclaimed, jumping up and down like a little kid.
They continued chatting excitedly about the smallest details on the costume ("Ah, this is such a nice shade of blue." "Doesn't it bring out my eyes?" "We can't see your eyes because of your mask, son." "…Right.").
"So, dad, tell me," Fred began. "Why'd you decide to become a superhero?"
"I wanted to bring my comic books to life," Stan Lee explained. "Back in my days, in my old hometown, there were a lot of crimes that were committed every day. The city needed a hero, so I became that hero. I became the hero the city needed, not the one it deserved."
"That's a quote from your rival company."
"And how would you know that?"
"Touché."
They laughed.
All of a sudden, Fred's phone went off, its ringtone being the Spiderman theme song.
After telling his dad to give him a minute, he walked away and picked up his cellphone, "Yeah? Oh, hey, dude. Mhm. Alright, got it." He hung up, and turned to his dad. "There's something going on down south. I've got people to save! I'll be back soon!"
"I'll be right here," his father smiled. "Go get them, son."
After Fred gave his father a nod and threw on his supersuit, he sprinted out the door and ran down the long, empty hallways of their home. Stan Lee stood in the secret room, looking up proudly at a particular article on the wall.
BIG HERO 6 SAVE THE DAY
He couldn't be happier that Fred grew up to be a superhero, just like him.
"That's my boy."
A/N: Not gonna lie, I'm actually pretty happy with how this turned out LOL. I have Katnisseverdeen13 to thank for the request! :D That "I became the hero the city needed, not the one it deserved" quote is from Batman, in case you didn't know! :)
Headcanon: Fred cheated on Marvel at one point and went on to read a few DC Comics.
I'm seriously gonna miss getting reviews and PM's from all of you once this oneshot challenge collection is complete. ;A; 35 oneshots to go before I pull the blackout curtains down.
(heheheh)
Thank you thank you thank you for everything guys! See you tomorrow! :D